The Dopamine Menu - Parent Guide

Small boosts, big days. 🍽️

Your child’s busy, brilliant ADHD brain runs on interest. With the right tools, everyday moments like homework, screen time and bedtime can feel calmer and easier for the whole family. Small, simple changes really can make a big difference.

The Dopamine Menu Parent & Carer Guide is a colourful, strengths-first companion to The Dopamine Menu workbook. It explains the interest-powered ADHD brain in plain, positive language, then gives you practical, everyday ways to help at home, plus clear steps for working with school.

WHAT’S INSIDE (12 pages):
🌟 Welcome – the best workbook pages to do together
🧠 The Interest-Powered Brain – ADHD and dopamine in plain words, plus the strengths to celebrate
🔍 Spot It at Home – everyday clues, what’s behind them, and what to try
🍽️ Building the Menu Together – starters, mains, sides, desserts and specials, in 4 easy steps
📱 Screen Time, Together – shared plans, heads-ups, exit routines and helpful phrases
🚀 Getting Started & Switching Gears – tiny first steps, body doubling and smooth transitions
🌙 Calm Days & Good Nights – mornings, after school, homework, evenings and big feelings
🏫 Working with School – a clear support route for England, and great questions to ask
☕ You Matter Too – looking after yourself, and places that can help
⭐ Top 10 for Home – a fridge-friendly poster

HOW IT HELPS:
✔ Strengths first: celebrates your child’s creativity, energy and curiosity
✔ Simple, practical ideas that fit into everyday family life
✔ Real phrases you can use straight away
✔ A calmer, shared approach to screen time
✔ Explains the school support route in plain English
✔ Pairs with The Dopamine Menu workbook

PERFECT FOR:

• Parents and carers of children and teens with ADHD, with or without a diagnosis

• Families of children whose attention runs on interest

• Grandparents, childminders and anyone who spends time with the child

• SENCos and family support workers looking for a resource to share with families

WHAT YOU GET:

• 1 printable PDF file, 12 pages, A4 size

• Prints on US Letter too: just choose “Fit to page” in your print settings

• Print the Top 10 poster as many times as you like

• Instant digital download, so no physical item will be posted

PLEASE NOTE
This guide is for information and everyday support and works alongside advice from your GP, school and other professionals. The support route reflects the system in England at the time of writing (2026).
© 2026 The SEN Advocate. For personal and educational use only. Not for resale or redistribution.